KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — IdleAire’s Advanced Travel Center Electrification system has been selected by R&D Magazine as one of the 100 most technologically significant products introduced in the last year.

According to the magazine’s Web site, the key criterion is technological significancewe’re looking for products and processes that can change people’s lives for the better, improve the standard of living for large numbers of people, save lives, promote good health or clean up the environment.

They are also looking for products that leapfrog current technology, that provide simple, elegant solutions to complex or long-standing technical or practical problems, the Web site said.

IdleAire’s system allows drivers of long haul diesel trucks to turn off their engines while resting or waiting on loads instead of idling them to heat and cool the cab, and power accessories inside the cab.

The system significantly improves air quality, saves on fuel, maintenance and engine wear, and improves communications between fleets and drivers and drivers and their families. It also provides new entertainment options, improves the drivers’ lifestyle and resting environment, and creates new jobs.

The system provides the cab of each parked truck individually-controlled heat and air, a Pentium-class, color touch screen computer, 110V electrical outlets, telephone connection, high-speed Internet and E-mail, wireless Internet, satellite television, movies on demand and computer-based, interactive driver training.

"We’re very pleased, but not entirely surprised, to have been selected for such an elite award in the technology arena by an objective third party," said David Everhart, IdleAire senior vice president and co-founder. "This new system solves a problem that has existed for many decades. We know this technology will create a positive change in the way the transportation industry operates, and will improve the lifestyle of every driver that uses the system."

For more information go to www.idleaire.com or visit R&D Magazine’s Web site at www.rdmag.com.